Craigdarroch Castle

Tuesday, January 03, 2017 -
By: Mariko L, Mackenzie ‘20

On November 15, 2016, the students of Grade 9 English had the opportunity to visit a historical mansion, the Craigdarroch Castle. The Victorian mansion was built on a hill that overlooked the city of Victoria by the wealthiest and most important man in western Canada, Robert Dunsmuir. This trip was a great experience that was organized by Ms. McCallum and Ms. Steele-MacInnis.

The tour guides at the castle provided us with a lots of information, enthusiasm and positive energy. They shared their passion for Shakespeare, and the language that was used in his plays. We also had the chance to observe four floors in the castle, including the stained glass windows, detailed woodwork, and fancy Victorian-era furnishing. Because most of the artifacts and the designs of the building had not changed since Mrs. Dunsmuir occupied the castle, it was like slipping into the age of Queen Victoria! Not only did we get to see the beautiful art of the castle, but we also came to better understand the importance of Shakespeare.